Every fighter has a story. A few take on mythological proportions, from Sonny Liston’s rise and fall to Johnny Tapia’s regular dance with death. British fighter Michael Gomez’s own story may lack the gravitas associated with the former’s professional success but it has a similar sprinkling of pain and misfortune. Of course, Gomez isn’t finished yet, despite the death knell being sounded on his career more than once – and he returns to action again soon, but a low budget British film based on his life this far is being promoted on his website. Continue reading “The Michael Gomez Story: The Movie”
Archive: Big Fight Live – Boxing returns to ITV
15/07/2005
As the first contract between British broadcaster ITV and promoter Frank Warren draws to a close and negotiations begin on a new contract, it seemed relevant to pause and remember how the news ITV were to return to professional boxing was greeted. In an article for thesweetscience.com, I took an optimistic view of the partnership’s potential and revelled in the nostalgia of hearing that famous theme tune one more time. As Nigel Benn once famously said “I preferred boxing when it was on ITV”. Continue reading “Archive: Big Fight Live – Boxing returns to ITV”
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Boxing: A Tsyzu Return is Gonna Kostya
Former Light-Welterweight king, should that be tsar, is certainly not a fighter to be rushed into a comeback despite his 37 years and long sabbatical from action following the seminal defeat to Ricky Hatton in 2005. Of course, he may not come back at all – rather like Lennox Lewis does from time to time – Kostya seems willing to tease and tantalise, perhaps in a bid to promote other business pursuits or, alternatively, to pacify the element of his personality that craves the combat. Convincing himself he could comeback at anytime to paradoxically ensure he never actually does it. Continue reading “Boxing: A Tsyzu Return is Gonna Kostya”
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Bobby Gunn Reloads
The criticism and hearty guffaws accompanying Bobby Gunn’s unexpected and patently unsubstantiated elevation to world-title class earlier this year were hard on the squat, pugnacious scrapper. After all, he didn’t ask to be plucked from the tank town circuit and projected as a legitimate Cruiserweight contender by Sports Network and the World Boxing Organisation (WBO).
Continue reading “Bobby Gunn Reloads”
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Briggs Chest Not Good Enough; Ibragimov Wins
I noted last week that Shannon Briggs appeared far too willing to comment on his asthma, one press release flippantly using the steroid ingredient of his medication to snatch attention for this life-long affliction, and he frequently referenced the pneumonia that preceded the March postponement of this fight. For a fighter with a history of poor stamina and huge muscular bulk, it didn’t seem a healthy recipe. Continue reading “Briggs Chest Not Good Enough; Ibragimov Wins”
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If in doubt, put “Tyson” in the press release
Perhaps it is indicative of the surge of popularity of UFC among young sports fans, the resultant ageing demographic of boxing’s followers and the fact Mike Tyson is the last global superstar boxing produced, but the fallen champion remains the most compelling hook most lazy publicists appear able to muster to promote their fighters. Last week it was Sultan Ibragimov, who hoped the former champion could provide advice as part of his corner team, this week Victor Oganov is trying to repeat the trick.
Continue reading “If in doubt, put “Tyson” in the press release”
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Rhodes Flattens Buchanan in One
It’s been a while since Ryan Rhodes demonstrated the type of form he did yesterday in knocking out game Paul Buchanan in the opener. Traditionally, known for his speed of hand and elusive style – at least those were his trademarks in a youth that saw him capture the British title in record time – the knockout power displayed has been an absent friend in recent years. Continue reading “Rhodes Flattens Buchanan in One”
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Ellis Pulls Out of Snoozowski Fight
Albert Sosnowski is the custodian of arguably the slowest burning career in heavyweight history, a professional for nine years and having accumulated a 39-1 record the Polish born fighter could be expected to be, at the very least, a top ten contender. No? No, not Albert. The globe trotting heavyweight is becoming a statistical curiosity but not a contender. Continue reading “Ellis Pulls Out of Snoozowski Fight”
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Exclusive: Boxing Writer T-Shirt Shop
It may prove to be the most under-used facility since the Baghdad Tourism Office but I’ve developed a range of simple, classic t-shirts featuring the professional win-loss records of a host of boxing legends. Made to order, to high quality specification the shirts present good value with prices starting around £12. Fighters from the recently lost Diego Corrales to Mike Tyson are featured with a few lesser known gems in between. Click the t-shirt link on the right to be directed to the site or click here.
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Another Day Another Comeback
Since I bemoaned the seemingly indefinite residence of a host of flawed heavyweight relics this week, every day seems to have brought news of another comeback or fight from fossilised big man. I’m not sure whether it reminds me of Groundhog Day or Cocoon but I wish boxing could find a youthful puncher to start stamping the bus passes of these creaking contenders. Yesterday it was Akinwande, today Andrew Golota.
Continue reading “Another Day Another Comeback”
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Good Luck to Ossie Duran
Familiar to British fight fans, most notably for a 3 round victory over Jamie Moore – who was forced to retire with a hip injury – Ossie Duran seeks to establish himself as a ‘face’ on the American circuit this evening when he tackles unbeaten prospect James Kirkland on ShoBOX: The Next Generation.
Continue reading “Good Luck to Ossie Duran”
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Calzaghe Accepts Kessler Fight
If this fight actually occurs, and part of me still maintains this could be a tactical move by Frank Warren in his quest to secure a renewed contract with ITV, then today’s news of Calzaghe’s willingness to travel to Denmark to face Mikkel Kessler in a bout that will unify the Super-Middleweight division is arguably the most stunning and welcome since Tyson v Lewis was finally made. Frank Warren told Radio Five Live; “Mogens Palle (Kessler’s promoter) made an offer for Joe to fight Kessler in Denmark in September. We’ve accepted and are awaiting a contract“. Continue reading “Calzaghe Accepts Kessler Fight”
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Briggs and Sultan Weigh-In
Shannon Briggs has weighed in at a career high of 273 pounds (19 st 7lbs for the imperialists) and although he looked ripped and well conditioned it wouldn’t take much to surmise that that huge frame will be burning his shallow reserves of oxygen pretty quickly. Sultan Ibragimov weighed in a sprightly 221 (15 st 11lbs) and looked solid and prepared.
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EBU Want Moore From Jamie
Salford’s irrepressible Light-Middleweight contender Jamie Moore has been frustrated in his attempts to secure a progressive contest for the European (EBU) belt vacated by Michele Piccirillo. Speaking to the Salford Advertiser, Moore lamented the missed opportunity; “I’m disappointed to have missed out on a European title fight. But it’s not the first time that a fight I wanted has not come off and I’m sure it won’t be the last.” Continue reading “EBU Want Moore From Jamie”
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